Mystery surrounds 4-year-old’s death in Brockton

Mystery surrounds the death of the four-year-old boy who died three days ago under what authorities are calling suspicious circumstances.

Amy Carboneau

Mystery surrounds the death of the 4-year-old boy who died three days ago under what authorities are calling suspicious circumstances.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz’s office has released little information into the investigation of the death of Chauncey Cohen, a Brockton boy who was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Medical Center Sunday night.

Authorities say the boy’s mother, Tania Merisca, 26, of Brockton, brought the boy to the hospital about 8:30 p.m. Sunday. He was pronounced dead at 9:26 p.m.

Merisca told police that her son had “become unresponsive while she gave him a bath,” Russ Eonas, DA spokesman, said Monday.

The DA’s office said Tuesday an autopsy had been completed, but results were pending.

Bridget Norton Middleton, who spoke for the DA’s office Tuesday, said no new information would be released involving the circumstances of the case.

“At this point, we won’t be releasing any further information while it’s under investigation,” she said.

Merisca, who gave an interview to reporters Monday from inside her Sterling Road home, said she had left her son with her boyfriend, who she identified as Antonio Durham of Brockton, when she went to work.

Early police reports detailed that authorities were in search of Durham for questioning related to the case.

The DA’s office has declined to comment on whether Durham, who is not the boy’s father, is a person of interest, or whether he was even present at the time.

Police were in search of a Nissan Altima Sunday night reportedly in connection with the case, but the DA has also declined to comment on its involvement.

Authorities say Merisca had checked in to the Holiday Inn Express on Westgate Drive, and was there Sunday with her son before she drove him to the hospital.

Hotel staff said Monday she had checked in for just one day, and was alone when she did.

Merisca could not be reached for further comment Tuesday. A gate was shut and locked across the driveway at her home. Neighbors said they did not know the family.

Investigators continue to urge anyone with any information to call Brockton police at 508- 941-0234, or state police at 508-947-8087.